by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
Riverkeeper Neil Armingeon says $12 million to help clean up the St. Johns River will help.
“We have been supportive of this and it’s a good start,” said Armingeon. “We support our Legislative Delegation and the governor.”
The $12 million is part of Gov. Charlie Crist’s $71.5 billion that he signed into law Thursday morning. It’s also a portion of the 10-year, $750 million River Accord reached last summer between several agencies including the City, JEA, the St. Johns River Water Management District, the State Department of Environmental Protection and others.
“This would not be possible without that partnership,” said Peyton of the Accord and Thursday’s announcement.
Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp was in town to present the budget on behalf of Crist. He said the new budget is $2 billion less than last year’s and represents a sign of the times in which soaring energy costs and property taxes must be addressed.
“We talked about the government tightening its belt and we talked about government living within its means,” said Kottkamp, referring to the recently-ended legislative session. “It’s tough all over the state, from here to Pensacola and from here to Key West.”
Kottkamp applauded the Duval Delegation — particularly State Sen. Jim King — for its ability to push through legislation designed specifically to help Northeast Florida.
Kottkamp said the state budget includes over $263 million for environmental projects including the beginning of the clean up of the St. Johns River.
“The environment plays such a crucial role in the quality of life and the economy,” he said. “You mayor understands that and so does your (City) Council. It’s why they have worked so hard on the river.”
Mike Sole, secretary of the State Department of Environmental Protection, said the $263 million will go towards statewide efforts to improve the quality of drinking water and lower toxic emissions into the state’s waterways.
“The key is the commitment of the governor, lieutenant governor and the Legislature to assure we protect our water resources,” said Sole. “The new budget helps affirm that. Sixty-million dollars for alternative water supply. That money is also used to reduce wastewater effluent that comes through this river.”
Sole said he’s glad to see so many local entities working together to improve both the current and longterm health of the St. Johns.
“If you take the partnership between the City, the State and the DEP and work together, I am sure we will be successful,” said Sole.
Armingeon said he hopes people realize it took years to damage the river and will also take years to implement river improvement programs and years to see results.
“This is a longterm process,” he said. “This is just the beginning. I hope that what he heard today is in practice next year.”
Armingeon said the first two things that need to be addressed are the nitrogen content of the St. Johns and the wastewater treatments plants that line the river.
“It will be three to four years before we see some of these programs improve the health of the river,” said Armingeon. “We have some significant problems and this (the budget) recognizes that.”